The purpose for technology in education is to increase the potential for, the efficiency of, and the accessibility of knowledge acquirement. A pencil helps students get their thoughts down on paper. A keyboard attached to a device helps increase the efficiency of this task. A speak-text application helps make this task accessible for all students. A pencil and a keyboard can serve the same purpose, but the updated technology of the keyboard helps increase the potential, efficiency, and accessibility for student learning. Technology can make learning content available to students of all learning differences, including differences in incoming knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as in demographic and affective variables (Shute & Zapata-Rivera, 2008).
Technology can also connect students from around the world, which broadens their understanding and learning, and makes connections that wouldn’t normally have been made. Students can connect with learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, explore local and global issues, and work together to investigate solutions, according to the ISTE Global Collaborator Standard (7) (2016). The growth of technology, and the implementation of it within the classroom, has opened up the world for many students and created more opportunities for empathy and problem-solving.
While schools do not have a professional obligation to technology itself, schools do have an obligation to prepare students to enter into the community and be prepared for life events and scenarios. Because technology familiarity has become such an increasing prerequisite for jobs and higher education, schools are doing a disservice to students when they do not use current technology. Students should be given the opportunity to acquire basic skills regarding technology and should be taught the various computer skills that they will likely encounter in the future. However, the use of technology in a school should come with a clear purpose and plan for how and why it will be implemented. Technology should only be used if it has a clear purpose, and that purpose supports learning and does not diminish or distract from it. If technology is being used simply because it is a requirement, it can become a distraction and lead to diminished growth and learning.
As a Christian teacher, the way we view the use of technology in the classroom looks different, in the same way we view the world differently. We must make sure our students are learning to use it wisely, safely, respectfully, and lovingly, and in a way that glorifies God. If we are not careful, we can begin to view technology as a savior that will rescue the education system and solve all classroom problems. “Technology can become either an instrument through which we fulfill our role as God’s stewards or an object of worship that will eventually rule us.” (Dockery, 2013). Our role is to be a steward of Christ and a teacher of young minds, helping them grow in wisdom and knowledge. We must not allow ourselves to view technology as an object of worship, and one that we rely on for fulfillment and satisfaction. We must teach our students this as well.
John 17:1-26 (New International Version) reminds us that we are “in the world” (v. 11) but are not to be “of the world” (v. 16). These verses remind us that although we live in this world, we do not need to be consumed by the things the world finds important. Use technology, but do not let it rule over you. It is also important not to allow it to replace human interaction and relationships. Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) reminds believers to “love your neighbor as yourself.” After the charge to love God first, we are told to love our neighbors. With the use of technology, we can love each other and make connections in many ways that have never before been available. However, the use of technology can just as easily become a barrier and can open doors that lead to harm. These verses “allow no justification for using technology to bring harm to others. On the positive side, this law encourages us to develop that which serves humanity” (Varughese, 1993). To serve humanity well, teachers must show their students how to use technology respectfully and kindly. As Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) says, “Therefore, comfort each other and edify one another.”
Technology should be used to empower students to learn and pursue their interests. It should be used to further their knowledge, develop necessary skills, and help them become loving and caring citizens of their community and of this world. When used in my classroom, my students are aware that technology is an incredible gift that has been created to open up the world and make our lives better. But with that gift comes responsibility. If we cannot use our technology tools in a way that is glorifying to God, uplifting towards others, and useful in helping us grow and learn, then we are not using it correctly or responsibly.
References
Dockery, D. (2013, October 21). The Importance of a Christian Worldview. https://www.gospelproject.com/the-importance-of-a-christian-worldview/ ISTE Standards for Students. (2016). International Society for Technology in Education. https://www.iste.org/standards/for-students Shute, V. J., & Zapata-Rivera, D. (2008). Chapter 24, Adaptive Technologies. In D. Jonassen (Author), Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (3rd ed., p. 280). New York, NY: Taylor & Francis. Varughese, T. (1993, November 1). Christianity and Technological Advance - The Astonishing Connection. https://www.icr.org/article/christianity-technological-advance-astonishing-con/